At Geckoes Lodge, we’re lucky to be surrounded by extraordinary neighbours. Some have two legs and warm smiles, others have four limbs, a permanent grin, algae growing on their fur, and the remarkable ability to turn doing absolutely nothing into an art form. Yes, we’re talking about the sloths. Sloths in Costa Rica are one of the country’s most iconic animals—and here at Geckoes Lodge, they’re also our neighbours

Slow-moving, tree-hugging, foliage-munching wonders, sloths are part of daily life here in the South Caribbean. If you’re quiet enough (and lucky enough), you might just spot one hanging out in the trees right outside your bungalow — usually looking like they’ve just woken from the nap after the nap.

But make no mistake: while our sloth neighbours steal hearts with their slow-motion charm, it’s the human locals who make this region truly vibrant. Talented artisans, passionate wildlife guides, friendly shopkeepers – they’re all part of the reason visitors return again and again.

A Day in the Life of a Sloth in Costa Rica

What’s on a sloth’s agenda? Not much — and that’s precisely the point. These peaceful creatures sleep quite a lot and spend the rest of their time slowly moving through the canopy, nibbling on leaves and occasionally pausing for a gentle scratch. Their pace might be glacial, but their presence is magical.

Here at Geckoes, we often spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths in the surrounding jungle. We estimate that at least about nine of these wondrous creatures currently live on the property. With a bit of patience (and maybe some binoculars), you’ll be surprised how often they appear, perfectly camouflaged and completely unbothered.

Where to Spot Them

You don’t need to go on an expedition to find sloths at Geckoes – though you’re welcome to if you like an adventure! Our guests have spotted sloths while sipping morning coffee, brushing their teeth, lounging in hammocks, or even during a moonlit stroll. Both René, our resident wildlife enthusiast, and the staff are always happy to point out their favourite hideouts — and they might even introduce you to a few by name.

A Few Fun Facts about sloths in Costa Rica, to Impress Your Fellow Travellers

• Sloths are surprisingly good swimmers. Yes, really. Better than most humans.
• They come down from the trees only once a week to go to the bathroom. Talk about eco-friendly.
• Their fur hosts tiny ecosystems of algae and insects, giving them a greenish tint that doubles as camouflage.
• Baby sloths cling to their mothers for months, making them some of the cuddliest jungle infants.

Respecting Our Wild Neighbours

We adore sloths, but we respect their space even more. Please remember to keep a respectful distance, never try to touch or feed them, and avoid flash photography. The jungle is their home — we’re just lucky to be invited in.

We’re proud to work with the Sloth Conservation Foundation to help protect their habitat and ensure that these gentle creatures can thrive in the wild. If you want to know everything there is to know about sloths — from their biology to the threats they face — their website is a fantastic (and fascinating) place to start.

Share Your Sloth Sightings!

Have a magical sloth moment during your stay? We’d love to hear about it! Tag us in your photos on Instagram or Facebook using #SlothsOfGeckoesLodge.

Because in a world that moves too fast, the sloths remind us to slow down, look up, and enjoy the view.